Hamas suggests complete captive release to end Gaza conflict

(MENAFN) Hamas has called for a comprehensive agreement to end the Gaza conflict, demanding the exchange of all Israeli hostages for Palestinians imprisoned in Israel. A senior official from the group rejected Israel's latest proposal for a temporary ceasefire, which involved a 45-day truce and the release of ten hostages in exchange for 120 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences and over 1,000 detainees. The deal also required Hamas to disarm, a condition the group strongly opposes.

Khalil Al-Hayya, Hamas' chief negotiator, stated in a video message on Friday that the group will no longer accept partial agreements, accusing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government of using such agreements to advance its political agenda. He argued that these agreements serve as a cover for Israel’s ongoing war and siege of Gaza.

Hamas is prepared to negotiate a deal to exchange all hostages in return for the cessation of the Gaza war, the release of Palestinian prisoners, and the reconstruction of Gaza. According to Israeli reports, 59 hostages remain in Gaza, with 24 believed to be alive. Many others have been released through previous ceasefires or separate deals.

Israel, meanwhile, has resumed its offensive in Gaza, aiming to disarm Hamas completely. Israeli airstrikes continue to target Hamas military sites, while casualties among civilians in Gaza rise. The latest round of peace talks, aimed at renewing the January ceasefire and securing the release of hostages, ended without significant progress. The UN has warned of an escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza due to the ongoing conflict.

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